Conceptualizing and Operationalizing Empathic Expressions: A Communication Perspective

ABSTRACT

This research focuses on developing and providing validation for Empathic Expressions Scale (EES). Three studies were conducted using different samples: (1) a qualitative study that uncovered empathic responses, (2) a quantitative study using exploratory factor analysis to determine subscales for the EES and then test for convergent with empathy quotient and compassionate communication, and divergent validity with narcissism and verbal aggressiveness, and (3) a quantitative study using confirmatory factor analysis to validate the structure of the EES. Results suggest a consistent structure for the EES, which includes five factors on: verbal affirmation, experience sharing, empathic voice, emotional reactivity, and empathic touch. These factors represent, both, verbal and nonverbal communication.

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© 2021 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

KEYWORDS:

• Empathy
• empathic communication
• empathic communication scale
• scale development
• measurement
• measure

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. A full correlations matrix can be found at https://osf.io/s8c3j.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Tara Suwinyattichaiporn

Tara Suwinyattichaiporn (Ph.D., Arizona State University) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Communication Studies at California State University, Fullerton. Her research areas are interpersonal and intercultural communication, and computer-mediated communication. Email: [email protected]. Phone: [phone].

Laura K. Guerrero

Laura K. Guerrero (Ph.D., University of Arizona) is a Professor in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at Arizona State University. Her research areas are interpersonal and relational communication.

Mark A. Generous

Mark A. Generous (Ph.D., Arizona State University) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. He researches interpersonal, family, and instructional communication.